HEADLINES
- UAV Strike Escalates Tensions in Southern Lebanon
- IDF Responds to Hezbollah Drone and Rocket Attacks in Golan Heights
- Netanyahu to Address War Cabinet Amid Rising Hostilities and International Diplomacy Efforts

The time is now 12:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the last hour, multiple events have unfolded in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the broader tensions involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.

UAV Strike in Southern Lebanon:
A UAV has reportedly struck near the village of Kafr Dajjal in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli media citing the Hezbollah-affiliated network Al Manar. This strike adds to the escalating military engagements in the region, as Israel continues to respond to threats from Hezbollah.

Hezbollah's Actions and Israeli Response:
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that two explosive-laden drones launched from Lebanon struck areas in the northern Golan Heights around noon today, causing fires. Shortly before the drone attack, a barrage of approximately ten rockets was launched from Lebanon, hitting open areas and sparking additional fires in the Golan Heights. The IDF responded by shelling the rocket launch sites with artillery. Earlier today, the IDF also struck several Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, reportedly killing two individuals. These strikes included infrastructure in Aitaroun and a rocket launcher in Houla.

Political and Security Meetings:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the war cabinet and the political-security cabinet this evening in Jerusalem. The meetings are crucial as they come amidst continued cross-border hostilities and international calls for de-escalation.

International Diplomacy:
In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden have pledged to work together to prevent a regional escalation, particularly in Lebanon. Macron emphasized the importance of avoiding a broader conflict and mentioned ongoing efforts to engage with all parties involved, including Iran, which supports Hezbollah. Biden, while not directly addressing Lebanon or Iran, reiterated the commitment to reducing tensions.

Casualties and Impact:
Since the onset of heightened tensions on October 8, at least 10 civilians and 15 IDF soldiers have been killed in northern Israel. Hezbollah has reported the loss of 334 of its members, with additional casualties among other militant groups, Lebanese soldiers, and civilians. The toll underscores the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for conflict resolution.

Hostage Situation:
Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. Following a recent operation that rescued four hostages, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of achieving Israel's broader security goals, stating that any premature cessation of the conflict without these goals being met would be unacceptable to the Israeli public.

Protests and Police Actions:
In Tel Aviv, the violent arrest of Dr. Udi Baharav, a volunteer physician treating an injured protester, has sparked widespread outrage. The incident is under investigation by the Department of Internal Police Investigations. The medical community and political leaders have condemned the police's actions, highlighting the tensions within Israel amidst the ongoing conflict.

Summary:
Today's developments reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict and its regional implications. The continued military exchanges, coupled with high-level political and diplomatic efforts, underscore the precarious balance between military action and the pursuit of peace. The human toll and the internal political dynamics within Israel further complicate the situation,...

Broadcast on:

09 Jun 2024